How to use electrolysis for rust removal

Electrolysis is the least destructive method of removing rust as it does not disturb un-rusted metal. Your finished part will be free of abrasion. This is a good method to use on a complex part that would be difficult to sand or wire brush.

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Tags:

• electrolysis
• electrolytic
• rust
• removal
• restoration
• antique
• automobile
• tool
• plane
• collector
• refinishing

[GinoJerry86]

Can I use this process to clean aluminum?

[wickedmessenger1]

@GinoJerry86 Ferrous metals only. In other words: no.

[vodoocult]

can i use my arc welder instead of a battery charger? Its about 60-180A

[wickedmessenger1]

@vodoocult Sounds like too much: arcing combined with hydrogen gas -- an explosive combination!

[krisztian79]

Do not use STAINLESS STEEL. The electrodes, and thus the chromium is consumed, and you end up with poisonous chromates in your electrolyte. Dumping these on the ground or down the drain is illegal. The compounds can cause severe skin problems and ultimately, cancer. Hexavalent chromate is poisonous.

USE REBAR etc.

[KwantumFlux]

DO NOT USE STAINLESS STEEL!

Electrolysis with a stainless steel anode will put extremely toxic chromates into the solution. Disposing of this solution is dangerous and very illegal. Just be safe and use a non-plated carbon steel. If you need to buy some, get rebar. It is cheap and works well.

[XxSURPRESSEDxX]

btw never use stainless steel...its solution is just about as poison-is as lead 

[330MillionGods]

Conversly, if this is done for unrusted metal, will it rust it ?

[garywithairp1]

tankyo ui love your video , thank you so much

[wickedmessenger1]

@endlesspeaceful You should see something on the amp gage. You should also see bubbles forming and flowing from your rusty piece. If not, there are some possible problems: your clamps aren't making a good electrical connection to the piece or annode, the two aren't close enough together, at some point you overloaded the charger and its circuit breaker needs resetting, your electrolyte isn't mixed in the right proportion, etc. Check to see that the charger is producing 12v with a meter.

[parrowman]

DONT DO THIS INDOORS!! the gases are harmful!

[themediawrangler]

@wickedmessenger1 As long as you have the right mix of electrolytes you don't have to worry about getting the anode super close. This is important because if the anode touches the part (cathode) that you are de-rusting then the circuit will short out.